dwelling

/ˈdwɛlɪŋ/(american) · /ˈdwɛlɪŋ/(british)

dwell-ing · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    [formal]A house, apartment, or other place of residence.

  2. 2.

    [legal]A building or structure used as a permanent or temporary place to live.

Forms

plural: dwellings

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    dwelling place — A formal term for one's home or residence.
  • •
    multi-dwelling unit — A building containing multiple separate residences.

Related words

See also: abode, dwell, home, house, residence
Synonyms: abode, domicile, habitation, home, residence

Etymology

From Old English dwellan ("to lead astray, delay"), which evolved in Middle English to mean "remain in a place, reside." The noun form developed from the present participle of the verb dwell, meaning "to live in or at a place."